Baseball Catching Drills For 10 Year Olds
Baseball is a team sport that requires different positions, including the catcher. The catcher is a crucial player in the game as they are responsible for making sure that the pitcher throws the ball accurately and also keeping the opposing team from stealing bases. However, catching is not an easy task, especially for young players. As a coach or parent of a 10-year-old baseball player, you need to teach them effective catching drills to master this position. In this article, we'll share some of the best baseball catching drills for 10 year olds.
1. Blocking Drills
Blocking is an essential skill for catchers, and it's crucial to teach them this from an early age. A blocking drill involves placing a ball machine or a coach behind the catcher and throwing balls in the dirt. The catcher should then drop to their knees and block the ball from going past them.
One effective blocking drill is the "Square Drill." In this drill, the catcher should stand in a square position with their feet shoulder-width apart. Then, the coach should throw balls in different directions, and the catcher should try to block them while staying in the square position.
2. Receiving Drills
Receiving drills are all about teaching the catcher how to catch the ball correctly. In this drill, the catcher should get into a squatting position with their glove hand extended towards the pitcher. The coach should then throw balls at different speeds and locations, and the catcher should catch the ball and bring it back towards their body.
The "One Knee Drill" is an effective receiving drill. In this drill, the catcher should get into a squatting position on one knee, with the other leg extended out in front of them. The coach should then throw balls towards the catcher, and they should catch the ball while keeping their glove hand close to their body.
3. Throwing Drills
Throwing is a crucial skill for catchers, and it's essential to teach them how to throw accurately and with speed. In this drill, the catcher should practice throwing the ball to different bases, including second base, third base, and home plate.
The "Bucket Drill" is an effective throwing drill. In this drill, the catcher should stand about ten feet away from a bucket or target. The coach should then throw balls towards the catcher, and they should catch the ball and throw it accurately towards the bucket or target.
4. Pop-up Drills
Pop-ups are a common occurrence in baseball, and it's important to teach catchers how to catch pop-ups effectively. In this drill, the catcher should practice catching pop-ups by placing a machine or coach behind them and throwing balls in different directions.
The "Pop-up Drill" is an effective way to practice catching pop-ups. In this drill, the catcher should stand in the catcher's box with their back facing the field. The coach should then throw balls towards the catcher, and they should turn around and catch the pop-up.
5. Footwork Drills
Footwork is crucial for catchers, especially when it comes to blocking pitches and throwing to different bases. In this drill, the catcher should practice their footwork by setting up cones or markers and moving around them in different patterns.
The "Ladder Drill" is an effective footwork drill for catchers. In this drill, the catcher should set up a ladder on the ground and move their feet in and out of the rungs while catching balls thrown by the coach.
Conclusion
Teaching effective baseball catching drills to 10 year olds can be challenging, but with patience and consistency, they can become great catchers. The drills mentioned above are just a few examples of the many drills that coaches can use to help young catchers master their position. Remember to make the drills fun and engaging, and always give positive feedback to your players. By doing so, they will learn to love the game and improve their skills at the same time.